Lubricate rubber bands before the derby. Lubrication prolongs the rubber bands life and power and will help reduce the possibility of their breaking during the competition They can be soaked overnight in castor oil.
Have extra boxes of rubber bands on hand. Remember, it takes three rubber bands to fly each ship properly.
Experienced rocket racers "warm up" their space ships by gradually winding the rubber band motor to it full capacity.
A small hand drill is excellent for winding rubber bands. It also helps speed up the event.
For a more evenly matched race wind all rocket motors the same number of turns.

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